“Mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are among the most valuable – and most threatened – coastal ecosystems on Earth. They provide a habitat for countless species, protect coastlines from waves and erosion, sequester carbon, and contribute to the livelihoods of many people,” explains marine ecologist Professor Christian Wild from the University of Bremen. Wild notes that these habitats are often studied, managed, and restored in isolation – despite the way they naturally form connected coastal ecosystems. Water movements, microorganisms, fish, seabirds, and other organisms continuously transport nutrients, carbon, and energy between them. Therefore, damage to one ecosystem could also impair the functionality and resilience of the others.
Wild is coordinating the project SEASTRONG with reef ecologist Dr. Sonia Bejarano from the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen. According to Wild, this joint coordination strengthens interdisciplinary marine research in Bremen. “The University of Bremen and ZMT are pooling their expertise within the U Bremen Research Alliance and are jointly leading an international consortium based in Bremen,” says Wild. The SEASTRONG project, titled Stronger Together: The Role of Connectivity in Safeguarding Functioning Coastal Ecosystems under Global Change, involves 15 partner organizations from nine countries.
Research in Three Oceans
SEASTRONG conducts fieldwork at sites where mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs coexist: Belize in the Caribbean, the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, and Fiji in the South Pacific. The project was developed from the outset in collaboration with six key partners in these tropical countries, who also play central roles in implementation during the project’s duration.
A major focus is the restoration of mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Existing restoration measures in the three study regions are being documented and evaluated. In Belize, new experimental restoration sites are being established in collaboration with local organizations.
The University of Bremen is conducting research to determine which approaches most effectively support ecosystem recovery. “We are studying growth, structural development, ecological function, and thermal tolerance of selected mangroves, seagrasses, and corals,” says Christian Wild. “Laboratory experiments and models will help identify strategies that remain effective even under increasingly frequent and intense marine heatwaves.”
Incorporating Local Knowledge
SEASTRONG does not view coastal ecosystems in isolation from the people who live with and depend on them. Social scientists within the consortium are investigating the use, value, and management of mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs for local communities.
Partners in the tropical study regions facilitate dialogue with local communities, indigenous groups, environmental agencies, protected area management bodies, restoration experts, and other stakeholders. This process actively incorporates local priorities, traditional knowledge, and governance structures.
According to Sonia Bejarano from the ZMT, SEASTRONG aims to become a model for equitable international collaboration. “We are combining scientific and traditional knowledge to better protect and restore tropical coastal ecosystems in Belize, Fiji, and the Seychelles,” she says.
Practical Outcomes
The project aims to develop freely accessible tools and resources. According to the consortium, these include interactive maps on biodiversity, connectivity, ecosystem functions, and climate resilience; open-access ecological and hydrodynamic models; monitoring guidelines; experimental restoration sites; and regional recommendations for climate-conscious conservation and appropriate funding channels.
“These results can help governments, communities, conservation organizations, and restoration experts make the most of limited resources,” says Bejarano. The project will run for four and a half years. The European Union is providing 6 million euros in funding for the SEASTRONG project as part of the Horizon Europe program.
About Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship funding program for research and innovation. It supports international collaboration and funds projects that translate scientific knowledge into solutions for societal challenges, including climate change and sustainable development.
Further Information:
https://www.uni-bremen.de/marine-ecology
www.uni-bremen.de/marine-ecology/seastrong
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Christian Wild
Marine Ecology
University of Bremen
Email: christian.wild@uni-bremen.de
Phone: +49 421 218 63367
Dr. Sonia Bejarano
ZMT
Tel.:+49 (0)421 23800 - 51
E-Mail:sonia.bejarano@leibniz-zmt.de
